Motor vehicle and Health and Safety

Motor vehicle and Health and Safety – The number of motor vehicle incidents on South African roads is still among the highest in the world. Most incidents are caused by drivers who drive while intoxicated or due to fatigue, but a large number of accidents are caused by road unworthy vehicles.

It is in the interest of many that company vehicles are always being kept in perfect condition. This includes washing and cleaning of the car as well as regularly assessing its technical condition. Tests by the Traffic Department in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape showed that approximately 80% of the vehicles on the roads are actually not roadworthy. While many pointed fingers at taxis, an astonishing number of trucks, buses and (corporate) sedans failed the test too.

A risk assessment for a motor vehicle should touch many aspects and should start with the basics: is the car roadworthy? It is a legal requirement that every car on South African roads must be in a roadworthy condition. All buses, taxis and trucks must undergo a roadworthy test annually and the owners will not be able to renew their licences without the presentation of a valid roadworthy certificate. It is a criminal offence to drive a vehicle with no valid licence mounted on the windscreen.

During vehicle testing, the following technical elements are considered:

• electrical systems
• fittings and equipment (including mirrors, safety belts etc.)
• braking system
• wheels (including Tyre condition)
• suspension and undercarriage
• steering
• engine
• exhaust system
• transmission and drive, instruments

When a car is examined for a roadworthy test, the examiner will have a look at the battery, hoses and oils and greases used.

Lights are the most important part of an electrical system of a vehicle. This includes tail lights, brake lights and headlights. When assessing risks of a motor vehicle, it should be established if all lights work accordingly and whether they still produce enough light. Brake lights that a faulty can cause other motorists to misjudge the action the driver wants to take which will affect their ability to react.

'Fittings and equipment' is an aspect that is often overlooked. No vehicle is allowed to access roads without at least two mirrors fitted while windscreen wipers should be in good working condition too. If wipers are non-functional, they will have a severe impact on the driver especially during harsh weather conditions as the driver's vision could be blurred.

Vehicles are expected to be fitted with safety belts for both driver and passengers and the belts should be properly functioning.

It is essential to ensure that the braking system of the car is in good working condition. During a risk assessment it should be determined if the vehicle still has sufficient brake fluid and whether the brake pads are not worn or damaged. Equally important, the foot pedals of a vehicle should be non-slippery as they can cause the driver's feet to slip and ultimately lose control of the vehicle.

The condition of the wheels is essential too. Tires must have sufficient thread and must be free of nails or other sharp objects that could cut into the tires. Each tyre must be at the prescribed pressure and pressure caps must be fitted. When a tyre explodes while a vehicle is travelling at a high-speed, it will be hardly possible to control the car which could have a devastating impact.

When black smoke is being emitted it is a clear sign that an engine needs attention. A risk assessment should be conducted to check the condition of the engine and establish if it does not cause a health hazard both for employees and the people in the surrounding areas. Black smoke cause air pollution which could cause lung problems and infections.

Ensuring a car meets the basic safety requirements is a good start. A risk assessment should also consider the consequences if vehicles were to break down. Break-downs can cause delays which will result in decreased productivity and loss of time. To ensure flat tires can be changed quickly, each vehicle should have a properly pressured spare wheel and the basic tools to change a wheel. This includes a jack, handle and spanner.

Last but not least, a functioning hooter will also be important. They can help curb or reduce incidents when a driver foresees danger which needs collective effort of all drivers to be controlled or to be prevented. They also come in handy to notify watchman at the gate when drivers are too lazy to exit the vehicle and open gates to access the premises.